Apparatus, systems and methods for handheld gaming, including interactive maps

ABSTRACT

A method comprises receiving a request for a location of at least one player of at least one gaming device from a handheld device, determining the location of the at least one player based upon gaming information derived from the at least one gaming device of the at least one player, and transmitting location information comprising the determined location of the at least one player to the handheld device.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to commonly-owned, co-pending U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/868,432, filed Dec. 4, 2006,entitled “APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR HANDHELD GAMING, INCLUDINGINTERACTIVE MAPS” which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to the display of location informationand more particularly displaying interactive maps related to gamingactivity on a display device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment ofa system for practicing one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment ofa controller described herein.

FIG. 3 is a tabular representation of an exemplary and non-limitingembodiment of a player database described herein.

FIG. 4 is a tabular representation of another exemplary and non-limitingembodiment of a gaming activity database described herein.

FIG. 5 is a tabular representation of an exemplary and non-limitingembodiment of a geospatial database described herein.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment ofa gaming device described herein.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an exemplary and non-limiting embodimentdescribed herein.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment ofa handheld device described herein.

FIG. 9A is an illustration of an exemplary and non-limiting embodimentof a display of a handheld device described herein.

FIG. 9B is an illustration of another exemplary and non-limitingembodiment of a display of a handheld device described herein.

FIG. 9C is an illustration of another exemplary and non-limitingembodiment of a display of a handheld device described herein.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of an exemplary and non-limiting embodimentdescribed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For many guests, the floor of a casino can be confusing and in somecases even intimidating. For instance, it is not uncommon for a casinoto have as many as one thousand gaming devices such as slot machines,video poker, video keno, video blackjack and other games. Some casinoshave far more than a thousand. For example, Foxwoods Resort and Casino(one of the largest in the world) boasts more than 7,200 slot machines.In addition to gaming machines, these casinos often have hundreds oftable games, a plurality of restaurants and bars, entertainment venuessuch as theaters and concert halls, stores, and hotel rooms. Addthousands of people such as hotel guests, gamblers, dealers, pit crew,security personnel and other casino/hotel workers, and it can be verychallenging to navigate through a busy casino, let alone find somethingor someone.

In accordance with exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, a system 100and method are presented that are designed to aid the overwhelmed casinopatron by providing access to an interactive mapping system operable onhandheld devices 106 such as PDAs, portable gaming devices, cell phones,lap top computers, etc. Besides giving the user static information suchas the location of restaurants, bars, gaming machines, table games,etc., the envisioned interactive handheld mapping utility also suppliesdynamic information as well. For example, a player may be able to findout where his friends are, where to find a casino employee, which tablegames have open seats, or where the hottest or most popular gamingmachines are. In some exemplary embodiments, the map is an applicationthat is provided on a mobile gaming device 102 or another handhelddevice 106 such as a portable tablet computer that is provided by thecasino. In yet other exemplary embodiments, the user may access theinteractive mapping system using their cell phone, laptop, PDA, and thelike.

The interactive mapping system 100 may use existing systems and/ornetworks capable of tracking the type of information offered on aninteractive handheld map. For instance, a player may be found bycontacting a mapping server, such as controller 200, that has access toinformation contained on the casino's player tracking system. If aplayer has used his player tracking card in a machine or gaming device102, the controller 200 detects the use and records location informationin a database. Similarly, if players are using a mobile gaming device102, their position can be tracked using WiFi triangulation. Informationcollected from networked gaming devices 102 and tables may also be used.

Consider a scenario in which three friends make a trip to a casinotogether wherein each one of the friends wants to play a different game.Upon arrival, each friend picks up a handheld device 106 at the frontdesk and then goes to play their desired game. For example, one goes insearch of an open blackjack table, another goes to the poker room, andthe last to play slots. The slot player eventually gets bored and wantsto meet up with one of his buddies, but he doesn't know where theblackjack or poker tables are located, and isn't positive that hisfriends are even still playing those games. Using the handheld device106, he searches for his friend's player tracking card, and is shown theposition of a video blackjack game where the friend used his card fiveminutes ago. Additionally, the handheld device 106 shows the user'sposition relative to the game, and provides directions on how tonavigate the floor to get to his friend.

As described below in accordance with various exemplary and non-limitingembodiments, location information is requested by a handheld device 106whereby a response to the request is determined, such as by acentralized server or controller 200, and transmitted for display uponthe handheld device 106. While various exemplary and non-limitingembodiments described below illustrate requests for location informationoriginating at a handheld device 106 and responses to such requestsbeing transmitted to handheld devices 106, it is understood that in allsuch instances such requests may originate from, and responses theretoterminate at, another device in communication with controller 200including, but not limited to, a gaming device 102.

In accordance with an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, a methodcomprises receiving a request for a location of at least one player ofat least one gaming device from a handheld device, determining thelocation of the at least one player based upon gaming informationderived from the at least one gaming device of the at least one player,and transmitting location information comprising the determined locationof the at least one player to the handheld device.

In accordance with another exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, acomputer readable medium stores instructions configured to direct aprocessor to perform a method comprising receiving a request for alocation of at least one player of at least one gaming device from ahandheld device, determining the location of the at least one playerbased upon gaming information derived from the at least one gamingdevice of the at least one player, and transmitting location informationcomprising the determined location of the at least one player to thehandheld device.

In accordance with another exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, anapparatus comprises a processor and a computer readable medium incommunication with the processor and storing instructions configured todirect the processor to perform a method comprising receiving a requestfor a location of at least one player of at least one gaming device froma handheld device, determining the location of the at least one playerbased upon gaming information derived from the at least one gamingdevice of the at least one player, and transmitting location informationcomprising the determined location of the at least one player to thehandheld device.

In accordance with an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, a methodcomprises requesting a location of at least one player of at least onegaming device from a handheld device, receiving at the handheld devicelocation information comprising the location of the at least one player,and displaying the location information on the handheld device.

In accordance with another exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, acomputer readable medium stores instructions configured to direct aprocessor to perform a method comprising requesting a location of atleast one player of at least one gaming device from a handheld device,receiving at the handheld device location information comprising thelocation of the at least one player, and displaying the locationinformation on the handheld device.

In accordance with another exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, anapparatus comprises a processor and a computer readable medium incommunication with the processor and storing instructions configured todirect the processor to perform a method comprising requesting alocation of at least one player of at least one gaming device from ahandheld device, receiving at the handheld device location informationcomprising the location of the at least one player, and displaying thelocation information on the handheld device.

In accordance with an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, a methodcomprises receiving a request for a location of a gaming activity from ahandheld device, determining at least one location of the gamingactivity based upon gaming information, and transmitting locationinformation comprising the at least one determined location of thegaming activity to the handheld device.

In accordance with another exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, acomputer readable medium stores instructions configured to direct aprocessor to perform a method comprising receiving a request for alocation of a gaming activity from a handheld device, determining atleast one location of the gaming activity based upon gaming information,and transmitting location information comprising the at least onedetermined location of the gaming activity to the handheld device.

In accordance with another exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, anapparatus comprises a processor and a computer readable medium incommunication with the processor and storing instructions configured todirect the processor to perform a method comprising receiving a requestfor a location of a gaming activity from a handheld device, determiningat least one location of the gaming activity based upon gaminginformation, and transmitting location information comprising the atleast one determined location of the gaming activity to the handhelddevice.

In accordance with an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, a methodcomprises determining at least one of a product and a service based upona gaming activity of a player, determining at least one location of theat least one of a product and service, and transmitting informationcomprising the determined at least one location of the at least one of aproduct and service to the player.

In accordance with another exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, acomputer readable medium stores instructions configured to direct aprocessor to perform a method comprising determining at least one of aproduct and a service based upon a gaming activity of a player,determining at least one location of the at least one of a product andservice, and transmitting information comprising the determined at leastone location of the at least one of a product and service to the player.

In accordance with another exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, anapparatus comprises a processor and a computer readable medium incommunication with the processor and storing instructions configured todirect the processor to perform a method comprising determining at leastone of a product and a service based upon a gaming activity of a player,determining at least one location of the at least one of a product andservice, and transmitting information comprising the determined at leastone location of the at least one of a product and service to the player.

Numerous embodiments are described, and are presented for illustrativepurposes only. The described embodiments are not intended to be limitingin any sense. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail toenable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is tobe understood that other embodiments may be utilized and thatstructural, logical, software, electrical and other changes may be madewithout departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, thoseskilled in the art will recognize that the invention may be practicedwith various modifications and alterations. Although particular featuresmay be described with reference to one or more particular embodiments orfigures that form a part of the present disclosure, and in which areshown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments, it should beunderstood that such features are not limited to usage in the one ormore particular embodiments or figures with reference to which they aredescribed. The present disclosure is thus neither a literal descriptionof all possible embodiments nor a listing of features that must bepresent in all embodiments.

The terms “an embodiment”, “embodiment”, “embodiments”, “theembodiment”, “the embodiments”, “an exemplary embodiment”, “someembodiments”, “an example embodiment”, “at least one embodiment”, “oneor more embodiments” and “one embodiment” mean “one or more (but notnecessarily all) embodiments of the invention(s)” unless expresslyspecified otherwise. The terms “including”, “comprising” and variationsthereof mean “including but not limited to”, unless expressly specifiedotherwise.

The term “consisting of and variations thereof mean “including andlimited to”, unless expressly specified otherwise.

The enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of theitems are mutually exclusive. The enumerated listing of items does notimply that any or all of the items are collectively exhaustive ofanything, unless expressly specified otherwise. The enumerated listingof items does not imply that the items are ordered in any manneraccording to the order in which they are enumerated.

The term “comprising at least one of” followed by a listing of itemsdoes not imply that a component or subcomponent from each item in thelist is required. Rather, it means that one or more of the items listedmay comprise the item specified. For example, if it is said “wherein Acomprises at least one of: a, b and c” it is meant that (i) A maycomprise a, (ii) A may comprise b, (iii) A may comprise c, (iv) A maycomprise a and b, (v) A may comprise a and c, (vi) A may comprise b andc, or (vii) A may comprise a, b and c.

The terms “a”, “an” and “the” mean “one or more”, unless expresslyspecified otherwise.

The term “based on” means “based at least on”, unless expresslyspecified otherwise.

The methods described herein (regardless of whether they are referred toas methods, processes, algorithms, calculations, and the like)inherently include one or more steps. Therefore, all references to a“step” or “steps” of such a method have antecedent basis in the mererecitation of the term ‘method’ or a like term. Accordingly, anyreference in a claim to a ‘step’ or ‘steps’ of a method is deemed tohave sufficient antecedent basis.

Headings of sections provided in this document and the title are forconvenience only, and are not to be taken as limiting the disclosure inany way.

Devices that are in communication with each other need not be incontinuous communication with each other, unless expressly specifiedotherwise. In addition, devices that are in communication with eachother may communicate directly or indirectly through one or moreintermediaries.

A description of an embodiment with several components in communicationwith each other does not imply that all such components are required, orthat each of the disclosed components must communicate with every othercomponent. On the contrary, a variety of optional components aredescribed to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodimentsdescribed herein.

Further, although process steps, method steps, algorithms or the likemay be described in a sequential order, such processes, methods andalgorithms may be configured to work in alternate orders. In otherwords, any sequence or order of steps that may be described in thisdocument does not, in and of itself, indicate a requirement that thesteps be performed in that order. The steps of processes describedherein may be performed in any order practical. Further, some steps maybe performed simultaneously despite being described or implied asoccurring non-simultaneously (e.g., because one step is described afterthe other step). Moreover, the illustration of a process by itsdepiction in a drawing does not imply that the illustrated process isexclusive of other variations and modifications thereto, does not implythat the illustrated process or any of its steps are necessary to theinvention, and does not imply that the illustrated process is preferred.

It will be readily apparent that the various methods and algorithmsdescribed herein may be implemented by, e.g., appropriately programmedgeneral purpose computers and computing devices. Typically a processor(e.g., a microprocessor or controller device) will receive instructionsfrom a memory or like storage device, and execute those instructions,thereby performing a process defined by those instructions. Further,programs that implement such methods and algorithms may be stored andtransmitted using a variety of known media.

When a single device or article is described herein, it will be readilyapparent that more than one device/article (whether or not theycooperate) may be used in place of a single device/article. Similarly,where more than one device or article is described herein (whether ornot they cooperate), it will be readily apparent that a singledevice/article may be used in place of the more than one device orarticle.

The functionality and/or the features of a device may be alternativelyembodied by one or more other devices which are not explicitly describedas having such functionality/features. Thus, other embodiments describedherein need not include the device itself.

The term “computer-readable medium” as used herein refers to any mediumthat participates in providing data (e.g., instructions) that may beread by a computer, a processor or a like device. Such a medium may takemany forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatilemedia, and transmission media. Non-volatile media include, for example,optical or magnetic disks and other persistent memory. Volatile mediamay include dynamic random access memory (DRAM), which typicallyconstitutes the main memory. Transmission media may include coaxialcables, copper wire and fiber optics, including the wires or otherpathways that comprise a system bus coupled to the processor.Transmission media may include or convey acoustic waves, light waves andelectromagnetic emissions, such as those generated during radiofrequency (RF) and infrared (IR) data communications. Common forms ofcomputer-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexibledisk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM,DVD, any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, any otherphysical medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, an EPROM, anEEPROM, a FLASH-EEPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrierwave as described hereinafter, or any other medium from which a computercan read.

Various forms of computer readable media may be involved in carryingsequences of instructions to a processor. For example, sequences ofinstruction (i) may be delivered from RAM to a processor, (ii) may becarried over a wireless transmission medium, and/or (iii) may beformatted according to numerous formats, standards or protocols, such asTransmission Control Protocol, Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), Wi-Fi,Bluetooth, GSM, CDMA, EDGE and EVDO.

Where databases are described, it will be understood by one of ordinaryskill in the art that (i) alternative database structures to thosedescribed may be readily employed, and (ii) other memory structuresbesides databases may be readily employed. Any schematic illustrationsand accompanying descriptions of any sample databases presented hereinare illustrative arrangements for stored representations of information.Any number of other arrangements may be employed besides those suggestedby the tables shown. Similarly, any illustrated entries of the databasesrepresent example information only. Those skilled in the art willunderstand that the number and content of the entries can be differentfrom those illustrated herein. Further, despite any depiction of thedatabases as tables, other formats (including relational databases,object-based models and/or distributed databases) could be used to storeand manipulate the data types described herein. Likewise, object methodsor behaviors of a database can be used to implement the processes ofembodiments described herein. In addition, the databases may, in a knownmanner, be stored locally or remotely from a device that accesses datain such a database.

It should also be understood that, to the extent that any term recitedin the claims is referred to elsewhere in this document in a mannerconsistent with a single meaning, that is done for the sake of clarityonly, and it is not intended that any such term be so restricted, byimplication or otherwise, to that single meaning.

In a claim, a limitation of the claim which includes the phrase “meansfor” or the phrase “step for” means that 35 U.S.C. §112, paragraph 6,applies to that limitation.

In a claim, a limitation of the claim which does not include the phrase“means for” or the phrase “step for” means that 35 U.S.C. §112,paragraph 6 does not apply to that limitation, regardless of whetherthat limitation recites a function without recitation of structure,material or acts for performing that function. For example, in a claim,the mere use of the phrase “step of” or the phrase “steps of” inreferring to one or more steps of the claim or of another claim does notmean that 35 U.S.C. §112, paragraph 6, applies to that step(s).

With respect to a means or a step for performing a specified function inaccordance with 35 U.S.C. §112, paragraph 6, the correspondingstructure, material or acts described in the specification, andequivalents thereof, may perform additional functions as well as thespecified function.

Reference will now be made in detail to various exemplary andnon-limiting embodiments, some examples of which are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings.

As used herein, “gaming device” refers to a device that is capable, at aminimum, of displaying gaming outcomes of a wagering game. Similarly, asused herein, a “wireless gaming device” refers to a gaming device 102configured or otherwise adapted to engage in electronic communicationvia a wireless medium and attendant protocol. Examples of gaming devices102 include, but are not limited to, slot machines, video pokermachines, video blackjack machines, video keno machines, and casinotable games (such as baccarat, blackjack and roulette) equipped withelectronic components that may facilitate embodiments described herein(e.g., electronic virtual tables with simulated cards, chips and/ordealer; “smart” tables with a live dealer and one or more electronicdevices such as chip/card readers, display screens and/or player/dealerinput devices; etc.).

Furthermore, as used herein, “handheld device” refers to a portabledevice exhibiting the ability to process information and to communicatewith a network and/or a central server via, for example, a WLAN such asa Wi-Fi connection operating on the IEEE 802.11 standard or GSM. Whilehandheld device 106 may be configured to enable gaming activity, theoperation of handheld device 106 need not enable any form of gaming.Handheld devices 106 may include input devices capable of receivinginput from a user such as, for example, a touch screen, a keyboard/pad,a mouse, a push button, a microphone, a joystick, a directional pad, atrackball, a card reader and/or a bar code scanner. Handheld devices 106may likewise include an output device such as, for example, a LCD, aLED, a CRT, Plasma Display Panels, electronic paper, a projectionscreen, and/or speakers.

As used herein, “player” refers to a person engaged, or who has thepotential to engage in, a gaming activity and “user” refers to anoperator of a device such as, for example, a handheld device 106. Inaddition, as used herein “requester” refers to a person or devicerequesting information such as, for example, via a handheld device 106.Depending on the context of the reference, these terms may be usedinterchangeably. For example, a “user” of a handheld device 106 may beengaged in a round of blackjack and may request location informationregarding other players on the casino floor. In such an instance, the“user” is additionally a “player” and a requester”.

In accordance with an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment describedmore fully below, handheld devices 106 are utilized for the purpose ofproviding a user with an interactive handheld map. Besides havingmapping capability, handheld devices 106 may also be used for a varietyof casino related activities such as gambling. Examples of handhelddevices 106 that may be utilized in non-limiting embodiments include,but are not limited to, (1) portable computing devices developed byMotion Computing, Inc. of Austin, Tex., such as the LS800 Tablet PCrunning Microsoft® Windows® XP Tablet PC Edition, and (2) portablecomputing devices developed by Hewlett-Packard Company of Palo Alt,Calif., such as the iPAQ hw6920 running Microsoft® Windows Mobile™ forPocket PC. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other(e.g., similar) devices may be programmed for utilization with respectto the exemplary embodiments described herein.

Yet other types of handheld devices 106 that may be used for thepurposes of interactive mapping, in particular, casino mapping, mayinclude a Cell Phone such as the Razr2 manufactured by Motorola, a PDAsuch as the Tungsten E2 Handheld manufactured by PALM, a Pocket PC suchas the IPAQ Pocket PC manufactured by HP, Laptops, a portable video gamedevice such as the PSP manufactured by Sony or other device such as aGame Boy, and a handheld GPS device with Wi-Fi capability such as theTraveler GPS 525+ manufactured by Pharos.

With reference to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a system 100 consistentwith one or more exemplary and non-limiting embodiments having acontroller 200 (e.g., a game server; a network server) in communicationwith one or more gaming devices 102 and with one or more handhelddevices 106. As illustrated, system 100 is configured to work in anetwork environment including a controller 200 that is in communication,via a communications network, with one or more devices, such as gamingdevices 102 (e.g., slot machines, video poker machines, table games(specifically those with the ability to communicate with controller 200,e.g., “smart gaming tables”, and table games connected to table/pitcomputers)) and handheld devices 106. The controller may communicatewith the devices 102, 106 directly or indirectly, via a wired orwireless medium such as the Internet, LAN, WAN or Ethernet, Token Ring,or via any appropriate communications means or combination ofcommunications means.

With reference to FIG. 2, there is illustrated in more detail anexemplary and non-limiting embodiment of a controller 200. Asillustrated, controller 200 is operable to communicate with one or moregaming devices 102 and handheld devices 106. Although three gamingdevices 102 and one handheld device 106 are illustrated, any number maybe utilized in practice.

The controller 200 may be implemented as a system controller, adedicated hardware circuit, an appropriately programmed general-purposecomputer, or any other equivalent electronic, mechanical orelectro-mechanical device. The controller 200 may comprise, for example,one or more server computers operable to communicate with one or moreclient devices, such as one or more gaming devices 102 and/or one ormore handheld devices 106. The controller 200 may be operative to managethe system 100 and to execute some or all of the methods describedherein.

In operation, the controller 200 may function under the control of acasino, another merchant, or other entity that may also control use ofthe gaming devices 102. For example, the controller 200 may be a slotserver in a casino. In some embodiments, the controller 200 and a slotserver may be different devices. In some embodiments, the controller 200may comprise a plurality of computers operating together. In someembodiments, the controller 200 and a gaming device 102 may be the samedevice.

The controller 200 comprises a processor 205, such as one or more Intel®Pentium® processors. The processor 205 is in communication with acommunication port 210 (e.g., for communicating with one or more otherdevices, such as one or more handheld devices 106) and a memory 215. Thememory 215 may comprise an appropriate combination of magnetic, opticaland/or semiconductor memory, and may include, for example, Random AccessMemory (RAM), Read-Only Memory (ROM), a compact disc and/or a hard disk.The processor 205 and the memory 215 may each be, for example: (i)located entirely within a single computer or other device; or (ii)connected to each other by a remote communication medium, such as aserial port cable, telephone line or radio frequency transceiver. In oneembodiment, the controller 200 may comprise one or more devices that areconnected to a remote server computer for maintaining databases.

The memory 215 stores a program 220 for controlling the processor 205.The processor 205 performs instructions of the program 220, and therebyoperates in accordance with the exemplary embodiments of methodsdescribed in detail herein. The program 220 may be stored in acompressed, uncompiled and/or encrypted format. The program 220 furtherincludes program elements that may be necessary, such as an operatingsystem, a database management system and “device drivers” for allowingthe processor 205 to interface with computer peripheral devices.Appropriate program elements are known to those skilled in the art, andneed not be described in detail herein. The program 220 may includecomputer program code that allows the controller 200 to employ thecommunication port 210 to communicate with, for example, a handhelddevice 106.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the instructions of the program220 may be read into a main memory from another computer-readablemedium, such as from a ROM to RAM. Execution of sequences of theinstructions in program 220 causes processor 205 to perform the processsteps described herein. In alternate exemplary embodiments, hard-wiredcircuitry may be used in place of, or in combination with, softwareinstructions for implementation of the processes of the invention. Thus,exemplary embodiments are not limited to any specific combination ofhardware and software.

The memory 215 may also store, for example, (i) a player database 225;(ii) a gaming activity database 230; and (iii) a geospatial database235. Each of the databases 225 through 235 is described in more detailbelow.

In some exemplary embodiments (e.g., in an embodiment in whichcontroller 200 manages downloadable games playable on one or more gamingdevices 102), the memory 215 may store additional databases. Examples ofsuch additional databases include, but are not limited to, (i) a gamedatabase that stores information regarding one or more games playable onand/or downloadable to one or more gaming devices 102, and (ii) ascheduling and/or configuration database useful for determining whichgames are to be made available on which gaming devices 102.

Although the databases 225 through 235 are described as being stored ina memory 215 of controller 200, in other embodiments some or all ofthese databases may be partially or wholly stored, in lieu of or inaddition to being stored in a memory of controller 200, in a memory ofone or more other devices. Such one or more other devices may comprise,for example, one or more peripheral devices, one or more gaming devices102, one or more handheld devices 106, a slot server (if different fromthe controller 200), another device, or a combination thereof. Further,some or all of the data described as being stored in the memory 215 maybe partially or wholly stored (in addition to or in lieu of being storedin the memory 215) in a memory of one or more other devices. Such one ormore other devices may comprise, for example, one or more peripheraldevices, one or more gaming devices 102, one or more handheld devices106, a slot server (if different from controller 200), another device,or a combination thereof.

Various databases that may be useful in one or more embodiments will nowbe described. Example structures and sample contents of (i) a playerdatabase 225; (ii) a gaming activity database 230; and (iii) geospatialdatabase 235 are shown in FIGS. 3-5, respectively. The specific data andfields illustrated in these drawings represent only some embodiments ofthe records stored in the databases described herein. The data andfields of these databases can be readily modified, for example, toinclude more or fewer data fields. A single database also may beemployed. Note that in the databases a different reference numeral isemployed to identify each field of each database. However, in at leastone embodiment, fields that are similarly named may store similar or thesame data in a similar or in the same data format.

With reference to FIG. 3, there is illustrated in tabular form anexemplary and non-limiting embodiment of a player database 225. Asillustrated, player database 225 has a player ID column 312, a gamingactivity id column 314, and a group column 316. For example, withreference to row 318, a player having a player id of “047328937” isengaged is a session of video poker at gaming device 102 “VP-1011”. Itis further indicated that the player having player id “047328937” isrelated to two other players, having player ids “047920138” and“437621110”, via membership in predetermined group “003”. By way offurther example, a player having a player id of “047920138” is engagedis a session of black jack at a gaming table having an id of “BJ-0004”.Other information may be stored in player database 225 as well such as aplayer's name, address, phone number, etc.

With reference to FIG. 4, there is represented, in tabular form, anexemplary and non-limiting embodiment of a gaming activity database 230having multiple columns comprising at least a gaming activity id column410, a gaming activity location column 412 in which is represented alocation of the corresponding gaming activity, a gaming activity statuscolumn 414 in which is represented a current status of the gamingactivity, and a reserve time column 416 that indicates a period of timeduring which the associated gaming activity id 410 is to be reserved.For example, with reference to row 420, it is evident that the gamingactivity associated with gaming activity id 410 “VP-0001” is occurringat a video poker machine that is currently “In use”. Similarly, withreference to row 440, the gaming activity associated with gamingactivity id 410 “BJ-0007” is occurring at a blackjack table that is“reserved” for a period of ten minutes. In addition, each gamingactivity id 410 has an associated gaming activity location 412. Gamingactivity location 412 may be formed of any data capable of beingutilized, alone or in conjunction with additional accessed data, suchas, for example, data retrieved from geospatial database 235, to definea location of the associated gaming activity id 410.

With reference to FIG. 5, there is represented, in tabular form, anexemplary and non-limiting embodiment of a geospatial database 235having at least one column comprising gaming activity id 510 and columns515 and 517 in which is represented X and Y coordinates, respectively,of an associated gaming activity id 510. While illustrated utilizing Xand Y coordinates, geospatial database 235 may, in practice, adopt andincorporate any schema capable of storing geospatial data associatedwith each gaming activity having an associated gaming activity id 510.In addition, geospatial database 235 may store additional geospatialdata including, but limited to, points, lines, areas, and associatedtext such as that required to produce a map of, for example, a casinofloor plan.

In some exemplary and non-limiting embodiments (e.g., in an embodimentin which the controller 200 manages downloadable games playable on oneor more gaming devices 102), the memory 215 may store additionaldatabases. Examples of such additional databases include, but are notlimited to, (i) a game database that stores information regarding one ormore games playable on and/or downloadable to one or more gaming devices102, and (ii) a scheduling and/or configuration database useful fordetermining which games are to be made available on which gaming devicegaming devices 102 at what times. In other embodiments, some or all ofthese functions may be handled by a device distinct from controller 200.

Similarly, in one embodiment controller 200 may be operable to configurea handheld device 106 and a gaming device 102 (and/or another device,such as a kiosk, POS, CDP, etc.) remotely, update software stored on ahandheld device 106 and/or a gaming device 102 and/or to downloadsoftware or software components to a handheld device 106 or gamingdevice 102. For example, controller 200 may be operable to apply a hotfix to software stored on a gaming device 102, modify a payout and/orprobability table stored on a gaming device 102 and/or transmit a newversion of software and/or a software component to a gaming device 102.The controller 200 may be programmed to perform any or all of the abovefunctions based on, for example, an occurrence of an event (e.g., ascheduled event), receiving an indication from a qualified casinoemployee and/or other person (e.g., a regulator) and/or receiving arequest from a user of a handheld device 106. In other embodiments, someor all of these functions may be handled by a device distinct fromcontroller 200.

The controller 200 may comprise, in at least some embodiments, anelectronic device (e.g., a computer) that is operable to communicatewith one or more gaming devices 102 and handheld devices 106. In someembodiments, controller 200 may function as a computer server and maycontrol or direct at least some processes of gaming devices 102 andhandheld devices 106. Alternately, or additionally, the controller 200may contain or otherwise be configured to read data from and/or writedata to one or more databases of one or more of the gaming devices 102and handheld devices 106. Such data may comprise, for example,probability data, payout data, player data, and so on. In someembodiments, outcomes may be “centrally-determined” by controller 200 oranother device that is distinct from the gaming devices 102. Suchcentrally-determined outcomes may then be promulgated to one or moregaming devices 102, such that they may be received by players.

With reference to FIG. 6, there is illustrated in more detail anexemplary and non-limiting embodiment of a gaming device 102. The gamingdevice 102 may be implemented as a system controller, a dedicatedhardware circuit, an appropriately programmed general-purpose computer,or any other equivalent electronic, mechanical or electro-mechanicaldevice. The gaming device 102 may comprise, for example, a slot machine,a video poker terminal, a video blackjack terminal, a video kenoterminal, a video lottery terminal, a pachinko machine or a table-topgame. In various exemplary embodiments, a gaming device 102 maycomprise, for example, a personal computer (e.g., which communicateswith an online casino Web site), a telephone (e.g., to communicate withan automated sports book that provides gaming services), or a portablehandheld gaming device 102 (e.g., a tablet computer, a personal digitalassistant or Nintendo GameBoy). In some exemplary embodiments, thegaming device 102 may comprise a device operable to facilitate a tablegame (e.g., a device operable to monitor a blackjack game, such as sizeof a player's wager, cards received and/or decisions made). The gamingdevice 102 may comprise any or all of the gaming devices 102 of system100 (FIG. 1). In some exemplary embodiments, a user device such as a PDAor cell phone may be used in place of, or in addition to, some or all ofthe gaming device 102 components depicted in FIG. 6.

Further, a gaming device 102 may comprise a personal computer or otherdevice operable to communicate with an online casino and facilitate gameplay at the online casino. In one or more exemplary embodiments, thegaming device 102 may comprise a computing device operable to executesoftware that simulates play of a reeled slot machine game, video pokergame, video blackjack game, video keno game, video roulette game, orlottery game.

The example gaming device 102 comprises a processor 305, such as one ormore Intel® Pentium® processors. The processor 305 is in communicationwith a communication port 315 (e.g., for communicating with one or moreother devices, such as with controller 200). The processor 305 may be,for example: (i) located entirely within a single computer or otherdevice; or (ii) connected to each other by a remote communicationmedium, such as a serial port cable, telephone line or radio frequencytransceiver.

A memory 310 stores a program 320 for controlling the processor 305. Theprocessor 305 performs instructions of the program 320, and therebyoperates in accordance with the invention, and particularly inaccordance with the methods described in detail herein. The program 320,as well as any other program for controlling a processor describedherein, may be stored in a compressed, uncompiled and/or encryptedformat. The following description of program 320 applies equally to allprograms for directing a processor described herein. The program 320furthermore includes program elements that may be necessary, such as anoperating system, a database management system and “device drivers” forallowing the processor 305 to interface with computer peripheraldevices. Appropriate program elements are known to those skilled in theart, and need not be described in detail herein.

According to an embodiment, the instructions of the program 320 may beread into a main memory from another computer-readable medium, such asfrom a ROM to RAM. Execution of sequences of the instructions in program320 may cause processor 305 to perform one or more process stepsdescribed herein. In alternate embodiments, hard-wired circuitry may beused in place of, or in combination with, software instructions forimplementation of the processes of the invention. Thus, embodimentsdescribed herein are not limited to any specific combination of hardwareand software.

The memory 310 may also store one or more databases. For example, memory310 may store one or more of a probability database (not shown) and apayout database (not shown).

The fields of a probability database may specify, for example: (i) arandom number (or range of random numbers) that may be generated by arandom number generator; and (ii) an outcome that indicates the one ormore indicia comprising the outcome that corresponds to the randomnumber of a particular record. A gaming device 102 may utilize aprobability database to determine, for example, what outcome correspondsto a random number generated by a random number generator and to displaythe determined outcome. The outcomes may comprise the three symbols tobe displayed along the payline of a three-reel slot machine. Otherarrangements of probability databases are possible. For example, thebook “Winning At Slot Machines” by Jim Regan (Carol Publishing GroupEdition, 1997) illustrates examples of payout and probability tables andhow they may be derived. The entirety of this book is incorporated byreference herein for all purposes.

The fields of a payout database may specify, for example: (i) anoutcome, which indicates the one or more indicia comprising a givenoutcome; and (ii) a payout that corresponds to each respective outcome.If gaming device 102 comprises a three-reel slot machine, for example,the outcomes may be those obtained on a three-reel slot machine.

A gaming device 102 may utilize a payout database to determine whether apayout should be output to a player as a result of an outcome obtainedfor a game. For example, after determining the outcome to output on thegaming device 102, the gaming device 102 may access the payout databaseto determine whether the outcome for output is one of the outcomesstored as corresponding to a payout. If it is, the gaming device 102 mayprovide the corresponding payout to the player via a benefit outputdevice described herein. Other arrangements of payout databases arepossible. For example, the book “Winning At Slot Machines” by Jim Regan(Carol Publishing Group Edition, 1997), previously incorporated byreference, illustrates many examples of payout and probability tablesand how they may be derived.

In one or more exemplary embodiments, as described, data may be storedin a memory of another device (e.g., a database of controller 200 or adatabase of another server device). In one or more exemplaryembodiments, gaming device 102 may be operable to access the datathereof or have information associated with the data stored thereindownloaded to the gaming device 102 as necessary and/or appropriate.

The processor 305 is also operable to communicate with a random numbergenerator 325, which may be a component of gaming device 102. The randomnumber generator 325 (as well as any other random number generatordescribed herein), in accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment,may generate data representing random or pseudo-random values (referredto as “random numbers” herein).

The display device 335 may comprise, for example, one or more distinctdisplay areas and/or one or more distinct display devices 335. Forexample, one of the display areas may display outcomes of games playedon the gaming device (e.g., electronic reels of a gaming device).Another of the display areas may display rules for playing a game of thegaming device 102. Yet another of the display areas may display thebenefits obtainable by playing a game of the gaming device 102.

As described more fully below with reference to various exemplary andnon-limiting embodiments, the display device may be used to providelocation information. For example, a display device 335 of a slotmachine (or other gaming device 102) may be used to display locationinformation (e.g., a player cashes out and, before leaving slot machine,pulls up a map of where his friend is located).

The processor 305 is also in communication with an input device 340,which is a device that is capable of receiving an input (e.g., from aplayer or another device) and which may be a component of gaming device102. An input device may communicate with or be part of another device(e.g. a controller 200, a gaming device 102, etc.). Some examples ofinput devices include: a bar-code scanner, a magnetic stripe reader, acomputer keyboard or keypad, a button (e.g., mechanical,electromechanical or “soft”, as in a portion of a touch-screen), ahandle, a keypad, a touch-screen, a microphone, an infrared sensor, avoice recognition module, a coin or bill acceptor, a sonic ranger, acomputer port, a video camera, a motion detector, a digital camera, anetwork card, a universal serial bus (USB) port, a GPS receiver, a radiofrequency identification (RFID) receiver, an RF receiver, a thermometer,a pressure sensor, an infrared port (e.g., for receiving communicationsfrom a second gaming device or another device such as a smart card orPDA of a player), and a weight scale. For gaming devices 102, commoninput devices include a button or touch screen on a video poker machine,a lever or handle connected to the gaming device, a magnetic stripereader to read a player tracking card inserted into a gaming device, atouch screen for input of player selections during game play, and a coinand bill acceptor. Input device 340 may comprise any of theabove-described input devices or any combination thereof (i.e., inputdevice 340 may comprise more than one input device).

In some exemplary embodiments, a gaming device 102 may comprisecomponents capable of facilitating both input and output functions(i.e., input/output devices). In one example, a touch-sensitive displayscreen comprises an input/output device (e.g., the device outputsgraphics and receives selections from players).

Of course, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, agaming device 102 may comprise various combinations of any or all of thecomponent devices described herein. For example, in one or moreembodiments, the gaming device may include more than one display device335, one or more other output devices, several input devices 340, and soon (e.g., two display screens, two audio speakers, a headset, aticket-in/ticket-out device and several buttons).

In one exemplary embodiment, the player tracking device 355 may comprise(i) a card reader (e.g., a port into which player tracking cards may beinserted), (ii) various input devices (e.g., a keypad, a touch-screen),(iii) various output devices (e.g., a small, full-color display screen),and/or (iv) combinations thereof (e.g., a touch-sensitive display screenthat accommodates both input and output functions). Various commerciallyavailable devices may be suitable for such an application, such as theNextGen™ interactive player tracking panel manufactured by IGT™ or theiVIEW™ display screen manufactured by Bally® Gaming and Systems.

In a specific example, a gaming device may comprise various electroniccomponents mounted to one or more printed circuit boards (PCBs). Suchcomponents may include various hardware described herein, such as acommunications port and various controllers of peripheral devices (e.g.,a display controller), as well as a memory for storing programminginstructions (software) and a processor for carrying out suchinstructions. Forms of memory 310 that may be found in a gaming device102 include, but are not limited to, electronically erasableprogrammable read-only memory (EEPROM), erasable programmable read-onlymemory (EPROM) and flash memory. Thus, in one or more embodiments, anEPROM storing software with instructions for carrying out aspects of thevarious embodiments (as well as instructions for carrying out otherfunctions traditionally performed by the gaming device 102) may replacean EPROM previously installed in a gaming device or may be reprogrammedin accordance with one or more embodiments described herein, such thatthe gaming device 102 may be configured to operate in accordance withvarious processes described herein.

In exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, the display device 335 andinput device 340 may operate, together or separately, as a playerinterface. A player interface may comprise, for example, a video screenthat is a touch screen operable to display such one or more such menuson the display device 335.

It should be appreciated that one or more embodiments may includestoring graphic and/or sound elements that are used to construct themenu of available options. These elements may be stored, for example, inEEPROM, flash memory, hard disk, CD ROM, or in any other suitablestorage device. The menu may be displayed via any suitable displaydevice 335, such as a CRT, LCD, VFC, LED display. In one embodiment, themenu may be implemented using only dedicated electromechanical switches.In one embodiment, a player operates an input device 340 of the gamingdevice 102 operable to display the menu, in order to cause the menu tobe displayed. In one embodiment, the device includes a touch screen anda touch screen controller (not shown) associated with a video monitordisplay device 335. The touch screen and touch screen controller may beoperable to communicate with a video controller of the video monitordisplay device and a processor (e.g., a processor of gaming device 102).Thus, a player may be enabled to indicate decisions by touching thetouch screen in the appropriate places.

With reference to FIG. 8, there is illustrated in more detail anexemplary and non-limiting embodiment of a handheld device 106. Thehandheld device 106 may comprise a personal computer or other deviceoperable to communicate with an online casino and facilitate game playat the online casino. In one or more exemplary embodiments, the handhelddevice 106 may comprise a computing device operable to execute softwarethat enables gaming activity, facilitates the request of locationinformation, or enables the display of location information.

The example gaming device 106 comprises a processor 805, such as one ormore Intel® Pentium® processors. The processor 805 is in communicationwith a communication port 815 (e.g., for communicating with one or moreother devices, such as with controller 200). The processor 805 may be,for example: (i) located entirely within a single computer or otherdevice; or (ii) connected to each other by a remote communicationmedium, such as a serial port cable, telephone line or radio frequencytransceiver.

A memory 810 stores a program 820 for controlling the processor 805. Theprocessor 805 performs instructions of the program 820, and therebyoperates in accordance with the invention, and particularly inaccordance with the methods described in detail herein. The program 820,as well as any other program for controlling a processor describedherein, may be stored in a compressed, uncompiled and/or encryptedformat. The following description of program 820 applies equally to allprograms for directing a processor described herein. The program 820furthermore includes program elements that may be necessary, such as anoperating system, a database management system and “device drivers” forallowing the processor 805 to interface with computer peripheraldevices. Appropriate program elements are known to those skilled in theart, and need not be described in detail herein.

According to an embodiment, the instructions of the program 820 may beread into a main memory from another computer-readable medium, such asfrom a ROM to RAM. Execution of sequences of the instructions in program820 may cause processor 805 to perform one or more process stepsdescribed herein. In alternate embodiments, hard-wired circuitry may beused in place of, or in combination with, software instructions forimplementation of the processes of the invention. Thus, embodimentsdescribed herein are not limited to any specific combination of hardwareand software.

The memory 810 may also store one or more databases. In one or moreexemplary embodiments, as described, data may be stored in a memory ofanother device (e.g., a database of controller 200 or a database ofanother server device). In one or more exemplary embodiments, handhelddevice 106 may be operable to access the data thereof or haveinformation associated with the data stored therein downloaded to thehandheld device 106 as necessary and/or appropriate.

In one embodiment, memory 810 may store a database of events or actionson the part of the user that may trigger the handheld device 106 torequest location information.

The display device 835 may comprise, for example, one or more distinctdisplay areas and/or one or more distinct display devices 835. Forexample, one of the display areas may display a graphic representationof location information, such as in the form of a map. Yet another ofthe display areas may display textual directions.

The processor 805 is also in communication with an input device 840,which is a device that is capable of receiving an input (e.g., from auser, a player, or another device) and which may be a component ofhandheld device 106. An input device may communicate with or be part ofanother device. Some examples of input devices include: a bar-codescanner, a magnetic stripe reader, a computer keyboard or keypad, abutton (e.g., mechanical, electromechanical or “soft”, as in a portionof a touch-screen), a handle, a keypad, a touch-screen, a microphone, aninfrared sensor, a voice recognition module, a coin or bill acceptor, asonic ranger, a computer port, a video camera, a motion detector, adigital camera, a network card, a universal serial bus (USB) port, a GPSreceiver, a radio frequency identification (RFID) receiver, an RFreceiver, a thermometer, a pressure sensor, an infrared port (e.g., forreceiving communications from another device such as a smart card or PDAof a player), and a weight scale.

In some exemplary embodiments, a handheld device 106 may comprisecomponents capable of facilitating both input and output functions(i.e., input/output devices). In one example, a touch-sensitive displayscreen comprises an input/output device (e.g., the device outputsgraphics and receives selections from users).

Of course, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, ahandheld device 106 may comprise various combinations of any or all ofthe component devices described herein. For example, in one or moreembodiments, the handheld device 106 may include more than one displaydevice 835, one or more other output devices, several input devices 840,and so on.

In a specific example, a handheld device 106 may comprise variouselectronic components mounted to one or more printed circuit boards(PCBs). Such components may include various hardware described herein,such as a communications port and various controllers of peripheraldevices (e.g., a display controller), as well as a memory for storingprogramming instructions (software) and a processor for carrying outsuch instructions. Forms of memory 810 that may be found in a handhelddevice 106 include, but are not limited to, electronically erasableprogrammable read-only memory (EEPROM), erasable programmable read-onlymemory (EPROM) and flash memory. Thus, in one or more embodiments, anEPROM storing software with instructions for carrying out aspects of thevarious embodiments (as well as instructions for carrying out otherfunctions traditionally performed by the handheld device 106) mayreplace an EPROM previously installed in a gaming device or may bereprogrammed in accordance with one or more embodiments describedherein, such that the handheld device 106 may be configured to operatein accordance with various processes described herein (e.g., requestinglocation information).

In exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, the display device 835 andinput device 840 may operate, together or separately, as a player/userinterface. A player/user interface may comprise, for example, a videoscreen that is a touch screen operable to display maps and directions onthe display device 835.

It should be appreciated that one or more embodiments may includestoring graphic and/or sound elements that are used to construct themenu of available options. These elements may be stored, for example, inEEPROM, flash memory, hard disk, CD ROM, or in any other suitablestorage device. The menu may be displayed via any suitable displaydevice 835, such as a CRT, LCD, VFC, LED display. In one embodiment, themenu may be implemented using only dedicated electromechanical switches.In one embodiment, a player operates an input device 840 of the handhelddevice 106 operable to display the menu, in order to cause the menu tobe displayed. In one embodiment, the device includes a touch screen anda touch screen controller (not shown) associated with a video monitordisplay device 835. The touch screen and touch screen controller may beoperable to communicate with a video controller of the video monitordisplay device and a processor (e.g., a processor of handheld device106). Thus, a player may be enabled to indicate decisions by touchingthe touch screen in the appropriate places.

With reference to FIG. 7 there is illustrated a flowchart of anexemplary method according to one or more embodiments.

At step 710, a request for location/mapping information is received.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a user of a handheld device106 may request position data to be displayed on a map, or to be outputin the form of directions on the handheld device 106. The handhelddevice 106 may be a mobile gaming device 102 that is provided by thecasino for the purposes of gambling. Such handheld devices 106 mayaccess software that allows the handheld device 106 to communicate witha server, such as controller 200, having access to location andgeospatial information.

In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, a handheld device 106may be a personal device owned by a player or a casino employee such asa PDA, a cell phone, a GPS device, a laptop computer, etc. Such devicesmay be able to communicate with the controller 200 in order to requestinformation. In some embodiments, the handheld device 106 may requestinformation from the controller 200 via a website on the internet. Insuch an instance, the user of a handheld device 106 connects to thecontroller 200 via an internet connection, and is able to utilize theinteractive mapping service facilitated by the controller 200 via thewebsite. Handheld devices 106 may be small computing devices such PDA'sthat are solely dedicated to providing the user with positioninformation. These devices may be made available by a casino for free,for a rental fee, or for purchase.

In some exemplary embodiments, mapping information may be made availableto users in response to requests originating from gaming devices 102 aswell as kiosks, casino computers, and the like. All such devices may beconnected to a controller 200 using a wireless connection or wiredconnection using e.g., an Ethernet cable. For example, casinos may havemapping kiosks located throughout the floor, or existing kiosks may beconnected to a controller 200 and available to provide mappinginformation. Receptionist computers located at the front desk of acasino/resort may be equipped with mapping capability and may be incommunication with controller 200 so as to request location information.In yet another example, players may be able to request and receivemapping information on a display device located at a “smart gamingtable”. Smart gaming tables are table games with the capability ofreceiving/displaying input and output as well as the capability toprocess electronic data. Smart gaming tables may utilize display devicesor other table game input/output interfaces (e.g., touch-sensitivescreens, CRT screens, LCD screens, keypads, etc.) embedded within and/orotherwise associated with a table game for the purposes of (i)outputting information to players and/or dealers (e.g., game and outcomeinformation, wagering and payout information, mapping and locationinformation, etc) and/or (ii) receiving input from players and/ordealers (e.g., using a touch-sensitive screen to place wagers, indicategaming options, request location information, etc.).

As is evident from the above described embodiments, a user of a handhelddevice 106 may request location information. The user/player may do soby using one or more input devices 340, 840 forming a part of, forexample, a gaming device 102 or handheld device 106. Examples of suchinput devices include, but are not limited to, a touch screen, akeyboard, a microphone, a keypad, a mouse, a trackball, a push button,and the like.

The following exemplary position/mapping requests are indicative of thetypes of queries that may be sent to and received by the controller 200.For example, a user may request position and/or location informationassociated with a person within a casino. Position information describeswhere in the casino a person or object is located. Such information canbe output in the form of a location on a map, or a textual descriptionof a location (e.g., inside the poker room, at the blackjack tables nextto the Tiki Bar, in the Steakhouse Restaurant, slot machine bank 103) asdescribed more fully below. In an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment,the user may interact with a graphical user interface (GUI) to requestinformation. For example, a handheld device 106 may include a touchscreen display, or a display connected to a variety of input devices 840discussed above.

In some embodiments, a user may use a search tool to find anotherplayer. For example, a player who knows that his friend is playing slotssomewhere on the casino floor may input that player's name into a searchtool on the handheld device 106. Similarly, a player who knows hisfriend is playing blackjack somewhere may input his friend's player cardnumber into a search tool on the handheld device 106.

In one exemplary embodiment, a plurality of players may be registered aspart of a group as indicated, for example, by an entry in the groupcolumn 316 of the player database 225. In such an embodiment, eachplayer wishing to be associated in a group of players may pre-register agroup or buddy list in a database accessible by the controller 200.Having so registered, a user of the handheld device 106 selects a “FindPeople” option on the handheld device 106. When such requestedinformation is transmitted to and displayed on the handheld device 106,the output may appear as a display showing a current location of aplayer determined by the controller 200 perhaps as the result ofreal-time triangulation via wireless network protocol such as WiFi orbased upon data extracted from memory 215. In such a scenario, one orboth of the requesting entity (e.g., the user of the handheld device106) and the location of the requested information may be displayed asan icon/circle/graphical element transposed over a casino map.

In one exemplary embodiment, a request for location or mappinginformation may not be manually input by a player or user of a device102, 106. For instance, if Player A registers Player B as a buddy on hishandheld device 106, then Player A's device may continually (orperiodically or upon a change of location or other event) outputlocation information related to Player B.

In another exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, a user of a handhelddevice 106 may request the position of a gaming activity such as mighttake place at a gaming device 102 or gaming table. For instance, ahandheld device 106 may have a button labeled “Find a Gaming Activity”(this includes finding a stationary gaming device 102 such as a slotmachine or video poker machine, another handheld device 106 or a tablegame). In another exemplary embodiment, the user of the handheld device106 may additionally request information associated with the requestedgaming activity including, but not limited to, a type of game, max/minbets, a location of game, distance from the user, directions to thegame, a status of the game, recent results, a summarized gaming history,a percentage of all recent outcomes that were wins, recent high payouts,payback percentage (e.g., in last x hours), recent players, specificallyidentified players (e.g. celebrities, friends, etc.), and types ofplayers that have played the game based upon observable or previouslystored demographic data.

In another exemplary embodiment, a user of a handheld device 106 maysearch for a particular gaming device such as a free table game ortraditional gaming device (slot machine, video poker machine). Forexample, the user may instruct the handheld device 106 to notify him(including directions/maps) when a free $5 blackjack table opens. Inresponse, the handheld device 106 may periodically or substantiallycontinuously query or poll controller 200 to determine suchavailability. Alternatively, the handheld device 106 may register theuser's request with the controller 200, which may “push” an availabilitymessage to the user's device once a table becomes available. In such aninstance, the user of the handheld device 106 may subsequentlycommunicate with the controller 200 to confirm a reservation of anavailable gaming activity such as, for example, for a predefined periodof time.

In an exemplary embodiment, in addition to requesting locationinformation of a gaming activity or device, a user may use a handheldgaming device 106 to reserve a spot at a Blackjack table (or any othertable game), so long as he agrees to play a certain amount of handsand/or wager a certain amount at the table. A user may be required to“penalty secure” the reservation by tendering a credit card or otherwiseauthorize or agree to the charging of an account should the user notgamble at the table as agreed.

When a user of a handheld device 106 makes a request for locationinformation, the request is sent to the controller 200. With referenceto step 720, the controller 200 proceeds to determine a response to therequest based on information that is stored, for example, in memory 215.The request provides the controller 200 with identification informationsufficient to allow for the retrieval of desired data from, for example,player database 225, gaming activity database 230, and geospatialdatabase 235.

In some exemplary embodiments, the position of a player or gamingdevice/gaming activity is determined based on information that isnormally collected by a gaming machine and possibly sent to a casino'scontroller 200. By using this type of information, casinos may alleviateor avoid the need for new hardware purchases. In other words, positionand location information is determined with reference to a casino'sexisting player tracking infrastructure instead of implementing newtracking hardware such as Wi-Fi tracking tags. For example, Player A iscurrently playing slot machine as evidenced by the insertion of atracking card. Player A's identification information and the position ofthe gaming device 102 being utilized may then be sent to a controller200 and can then be stored in an appropriate database or databases inmemory 215. When a handheld device 106 requests the location of PlayerA, the controller searches the appropriate database for Player A'sidentification information and retrieves the location information of thegaming device 102 at which Player A is currently playing.

In another exemplary embodiment, a player swipes tracking card and/or anRFID badge recognized at restaurant. For instance, Player B is at theCasino Steakhouse Restaurant and uses his player tracking card toreceive a complimentary meal. When his card information is input intothe POS, this information is sent to the controller 200 and stored in adatabase. When a handheld device 106 requests the location of Player B,the controller searches the database/databases for Player B'sidentification information and retrieves the location information of thePOS terminal in the restaurant.

In another exemplary embodiment, a player C has purchased tickets to aconcert at the casino, and presented his player card during thepurchase. This information is sent to and stored by the controller 200.During the concert, any device that requests Player C's position willreceive the response that Player C is watching a concert.

In another exemplary embodiment, a dealer swipes Player D's player cardat a poker table, and this information is sent to the controller 200.When a device, such as a handheld device 200, requests Player D'slocation, the controller 200 searches the database for Player D'sinformation and retrieves the location information of the poker table.

In other exemplary embodiments, a player's position can be determinedbased on the position of a mobile gaming device 102, a casino mappingdevice, or another mobile/handheld device 106 that is (i) owned by theuser (e.g., a personal cell phone or PDA) and registered with thecontroller 200 or (ii) owned by the casino and distributed to theuser/player (e.g., a casino worker's mobile mapping device, a playerrenting a handheld device 106 from the casino).

In another exemplary embodiment, the user of a handheld device 106 maybe prompted to input where the player is inside the casino with theinputted data being sent to the controller 200 and stored for lateraccess. For example, when a player is sitting at a blackjack table, heor she may enter the table number into a handheld device 106. Similarly,the user of a handheld device 106 may input the name of the gamingdevice 102 he or she is playing, the game's serial number, the machinebank number, or the like. In another exemplary embodiment, the handhelddevice 106 may be outfitted with a wireless transmitter such as an RFIDtag or a Wi-Fi tag that allows the controller 200 to track where theplayer is within the casino. In other embodiments, triangulationcalculations may be used to estimate a handheld device's 106 location.In such an exemplary embodiment, extra sensors may or may not need to bemounted within the casino consistent with known methods of determiningindoor position such as that described in Comparison of Wireless IndoorPositioning Technologies, written and published by Ekahau Inc. ofSaratoga, Calif. In addition, a handheld device 106 may comprise anaccelerometer and/or a gyroscope which detects movement and orientationof the handheld device 106. In such instances, position informationacquired by or inputted into the handheld device 106 is communicated tocontroller 200 for later access.

As noted above, in various exemplary embodiments, the location ofstationary devices or gaming tables may be requested. For instance, aplayer or user of a handheld device 106 may request the location of acasino's blackjack tables. Since it is rare for a casino to move itsblackjack tables, the location may be stored permanently in a database,such as geospatial database 235, accessible by the controller 200. Thus,whenever a player or user searches for gaming activities comprisingblackjack tables, the position of each blackjack table does not have tobe dynamically determined. The position of other stationary objects maybe stored permanently as well, such as slot machines, other table games,restaurants and bars, entertainment venues, stores, bathrooms, and thelike.

In the event that a stationary object is moved, its position may bemanually updated in a database accessible by the controller 200. In someexemplary embodiments, players and users may request the location of astationary object based on a dynamic factor. For example, a player mayask the location of the nearest poker table, or the location of an“open” video poker machine. This information may need to be taken intoaccount when determining the location of stationary objects. As notedabove, the status of a gaming activity, such as a video poker machine ora blackjack table, may be recorded in and subsequently accessed from,for example, gaming activity database 230. For example, when a blackjacktable is full, the blackjack table's entry in the gaming activitydatabase 230 may indicate that the blackjack table is “In use”. If thelocation of an “available” blackjack table is requested, the controller200 will not include “In use” tables in a response to such a request. Ina further example, a player or user may request the location of thenearest ALIENS® slot machine. Controller 200 may then respond by afinding all ALIENS® slot machines, determining which is the closest tothe user, and transmitting location information comprising only thatresponse. As is evident, the exemplary embodiments described above arebroadly drawn to encompass any and all requests for location informationthat may be expressed as Boolean search criteria wherein the search maybe performed on any and all data stored in memory 215, derived from datastored in memory 215, or otherwise available to controller 200.

In an exemplary embodiment, a request for location data comprises arequest for directions to the requested destination. In suchembodiments, the controller (i) determines the location of the requesteddestination, (ii) determines the location of the requestor or requestinghandheld device 106, and (iii) refers to stored casino layoutinformation, such as is stored in geospatial database 235, in order toconfigure instructions on how to navigate from the requestor to therequested destination. In such an instance, the controller may use anyof the above described exemplary embodiments in order to determine thelocation of a requested destination.

Likewise, the controller 200 may utilize any and all of theaforementioned methods to determine the location of the requestor.Because the requestor is using a device, such as a handheld device 106,that is in communication with the controller 200, the controller 200 maybe able to determine the requestor's location based on one of thedescribed methods.

In an exemplary embodiment, the controller 200 may determine a shortestroute between the requestor and determined destination. In one exemplaryembodiment, the controller may account for heavy “foot traffic” due tothe time of day or the recent ending of a show, and offer alternateroutes in order to avoid large crowds. Other location information thatmay be determined by the controller 200 in response to a requestincludes, but is not limited to, automated suggestions and other dynamicMapping/Direction/Navigation Features and Services. For example,directions may be configured such that the requestor is directed nearcasino products/services in which he or she may be interested. Suchdirections may be determined based on, for example, the amount of moneyspent by the player (through the device or otherwise) on goods orservices, or how much they've won/lost gambling through a handhelddevice 106 or at a gaming device 102.

In another exemplary embodiment, the controller 200 may determineadditional location information comprising routing information basedupon an estimated time to get to a destination. As a result, destinationoptions may be determined and/or sorted based on distance betweenrequesting handheld device 106 and one or more determined destinations.Similarly, destination options may be determined and/or sorted based onan estimated time for a requester to get from a handheld device's 106current location to a determined destination (e.g. based on actualtravel paths rather than sheer distance; based on the requester'saverage pace as determined through GPS or RFID tracking of the handhelddevice 106 as it moves throughout a casino's property).

Once a player is using a handheld device 106 for navigational purposes,such as by following directions or a map, the handheld device 106 maycause an output if it is determined by the handheld device 106 and/or acomputer associated therewith, such as the controller 200, that theoperator of the handheld device 106 veers off the path required to getto the destination. For example, a handheld device 106 may beep,vibrate, cause an output on its LCD screen, etc.

In an exemplary embodiment, a player may voluntarily cause a map,directions or other location information to be sent to one or moreindividuals such as individuals registered in the player's group as, forexample, in player database 225. For example, a first player in a social“gambling group” (e.g. of friends) may press a button on his handhelddevice 106 to cause a set of “Find me here” directions to be sent to his“gambling group”. The first player's handheld device 106 and/or thecontroller 200 may determine each additional group member's location(e.g. perhaps as a function of the location of each additional groupmember's handheld device 106 or presence at a given slot machine) andthen determine directions from the first player's handheld device 106 toeach additional group member (e.g., to each additional group member'shandheld device 106).

Lastly, at step 730, the determined location information is transmittedto the handheld device 106. In an exemplary embodiment, the controllertransmits the previously requested and determined location informationto the handheld device 106.

Once the location information has been received, the information may beoutput using a variety of methods. In some exemplary embodiments, thepresentation method may be dictated by the format of a request. Forexample, if the request was an inquiry as to the location of a player,then the received location information may be presented as a location ofthe player on a map. Similarly, if the request is for directions to theplayer, then the received location information may be presented astextual directions.

In some exemplary embodiments, the controller 200 may operate to obtainauthorization from a player or person to output a requested location.For example, if player A requests the location of player B, before thelocation of player B is output to player A, player B may be required toauthorize or re-confirm authorization of this release of theinformation. Such authorization may form a requirement associated with,or separate from, the inclusion of each player in a predetermined group.In an exemplary embodiment, such authorization or permission may form anentry in a player database, such as player database 225, that may bedynamically configured, such as by a player associated with the entry.

In exemplary embodiments, the requester may specify, or may be promptedto specify the output method. For example, a pop up box displayed on thedisplay device 835 of the handheld device 106 asks “Would you likedirections to Bob?” In other exemplary embodiments, the locationinformation may be output as a set of textual directions. For example,text may be used to describe an easiest path (e.g., “Turn left at thebank of Big Texas Knockout machines: or “walk towards the Cashierstation, turn left and walk towards the first bank of slot machines onyour right. The requested machine is machine #122”).

In an exemplary embodiment, the location information may be output as agraphic display. For example, the requested location may be highlightedon a map of the casino floor, graphics of roulette wheels mark everyroulette table on a virtual overhead map, or the location of the user'sfriends are marked by colored dots overlaid onto a virtual overhead map.In yet another exemplary embodiment, the requested location informationmay be output as a picture or video of a location. For example, anoverhead view of a section of the casino floor is shown such that theuser is able to see useful landmarks like a restaurant or the mainentrance in the background.

In another exemplary embodiment, location information comprisingdirections and/or locations may be output using audio. Examples include,but are not limited to, a speaker forming part of the handheld device106 outputting an audio signal such as “Bob is playing poker in thepoker room”, “the requested machine is located directly in front of thestairway located 20 yards to your left”, “blackjack table 122 has 3spots open”, or “turn left,” “walk straight” and “turn right”.

In another exemplary embodiment, directions may be output as a graphicaldisplay on the output device 835 of a handheld device 106. For example,arrows, dots, lines, and other markings may be overlaid onto a map tohelp the user navigate to a specified location. The user's location maybe marked on a map with a line drawn from the user to a requestedlocation. In addition, maps and directions may be modified based on theuser's location. For example, the map on the display device 835 may beoutput such that it matches the user's orientation. Similarly, the mapon the display device 835 may be only an area where the user and adetermined location are (instead of outputting the entire casino map).

In an exemplary embodiment wherein the handheld device 106 includesdigital camera functionality, a real-time image of information by thehandheld device 106 may be rendered on an LCD screen of the handhelddevice 106, and the handheld device 106 may superimpose or otherwise“overlay” directional queues for the requester on the real-time image.

With reference to FIG. 9A, there is illustrated an image output on anLCD touch screen forming a display device 835 of a handheld device 106wherein the image depicts the real-time input received by the handhelddevice's camera. In the example shown, a variety of menu options areavailable for the player's selection on the LCD touch screen, including(a) “Take Picture”, (b) “Overlay Real-Time Directions to Coffee Shop”,(c) “Overlay Real-Time Directions to Nearest Available Blackjack Table”,and (d) “Overlay Real-Time Directions to Bob.”

If the player selects “Overlay Real-Time Directions to Coffee Shop”(e.g. by touching the corresponding text on the LCD touch screen), thehandheld device 106 may overlay or superimpose arrows, lines, starsand/or other directional queues on the image so that the player mayreadily see the path he must walk to get to the Coffee Shop.

An example of superimposed arrows is provided with reference to FIG. 9B.For the purposes of the present example, it has been determined by thehandheld device 106 and/or by a computer in association therewith thatthe user of the handheld device 106 is registered as a friend orrelative of one “Bob” (e.g., because the player's identity is linked toBob's player id in the player database 225. If the player selects“Overlay Real-Time Directions to Bob,” the handheld device 106 and/or acomputer associated therewith may determine Bob's location (e.g. perhapsas a function of the location of Bob's handheld gaming device 106) andthen determine directions from the player's handheld device to Bob (orto Bob's handheld gaming device 106).

With reference to 9C there is illustrated what a user of a handhelddevice 106 may see if he selected “Overlay Real-Time Directions to Bob”in lieu of selecting the alternative options available through the menuon the screen of FIG. 9A.

The handheld device 106 may provide “real time directional overlays” byfirst determining the positioning and/or orientation of the handhelddevice 106 relative to a selected target destination and thensuperimposing arrows (or any other visual indicators) to show theappropriate general path to the target (e.g., selected) destinationlocation. The handheld device 106 and/or a computer associated therewith(e.g. controller 200) may determine the handheld device's 106orientation relative to a target destination through any one of avariety of means and methods, including but not limited to GPS dataanalysis, RFID triangulation, cellular triangulation, and/or imageanalysis.

The handheld device 106 and/or a computer in connection thereto, such ascontroller 200, may further analyze the image to determine the fastestor substantially fastest travel path by accounting for apparent physicalobstacles (e.g., slot machines on the floor; high traffic areas).Suitable automated image recognition software is commercially availablefrom a variety of providers and may be configured to assist in obstacleidentification. Once an appropriate path is determined, arrows or otherindicators may be superimposed on the real-time image that is output onthe handheld device's 106 display device 835.

In another exemplary embodiment, a human operating a remote computer,such as controller 200, may “draw” directional overlay information on animage received from a player's handheld device 106 and cause thetransmission of the overlay information and/or edited image back to theplayer's handheld device 106 so that the player may view the image withthe benefit of the directional overlay information (arrows, etc.).

Note that as the operator of the handheld device 106 proceeds to walk tothe displayed destination while carrying the handheld device 106, thehandheld device's 106 physical position and orientation will necessarilychange, requiring the handheld device's 106 processor 805 to update oradjust the directional overlay information. Such updating orreadjustment may be triggered: automatically (e.g. periodically, such asevery 5 seconds), upon request of the user (e.g. a “refresh” button),upon receipt of a new camera image or an image which is markedlydifferent from a previous image, and/or upon detection of movement ofthe handheld device 106. For example, a motion/kinetic sensor may detectmovement of the handheld device 106 or a central computer incommunication with an RFID-enabled handheld device 106 may determinethat the handheld device 106 has moved on a property-wide RFID sensorgrid.

In an exemplary embodiment, the controller 200, sensing the location ofuser of a handheld device 106, may utilize the display devices 335 of agaming device 102 situated or otherwise located along the user's path todynamically create a “trail” of arrows, lights or other trail indicatorsfor the user to follow. For example, as the user approaches an area inwhich he is supposed to make a right turn, an unoccupied slot machine's102 display 335 (the slot machine being located where the user issupposed to turn) is directed to display a right turn arrow as the useris approaching it, then directed to go back to “attract mode” once theuser passes.

With reference to FIG. 10 there is illustrated a flowchart of anexemplary method according to one or more of the preceding exemplaryembodiments as realized from the perspective of a user of a handhelddevice 106. At step 1010, a request for location information related togaming activity is made, such as, for example, via a handheld device 106in communication with controller 200. At step, 1020, a reply to therequest is received from, for example, controller 200. At step 1030, thereceived location information is displayed on the handheld device 106.Optionally, at step 1040, the user of the handheld device 1040 mayrequest additional information based upon the received locationinformation.

In another exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, players may be able tofacilitate communication with a player or destination using the system100. For example, one a user of a handheld device locates a player, suchas fellow member of a predefined group, the system 100 may facilitate orotherwise enable communication with the selected group member. In someexemplary embodiments, input/output devices 840, 835 of a handhelddevice 106 may be used to facilitate verbal communication or aperipheral device may be used in conjunction with a handheld device 106to facilitate verbal communication.

1. A device operable to facilitate wagering activity, comprising: aprocessor; a memory operable to communicate with the processor, thememory storing instructions for directing the processor to perform amethod, the method comprising: receiving a request for a location of atleast one player of at least one gaming device from a handheld device;determining the location of the at least one player based upon gaminginformation derived from the at least one gaming device of the at leastone player; and transmitting location information comprising thedetermined location of the at least one player to the handheld device.2. The device of claim 1 wherein the location information comprises atleast one of a map and directions to the at least one player. 3.(canceled)
 4. The device of claim 1 wherein the request comprises atleast one of a name of the at least one player and a playeridentification number of the at least one player.
 5. (canceled)
 6. Thedevice of claim 1 wherein each of the at least one player are associatedwith each other as belonging to a predefined group.
 7. The device ofclaim 1 wherein the at least one player has provided permission to belocated.
 8. A computer readable medium storing instructions configuredto direct a processor to perform a method comprising: receiving arequest for a location of at least one player of at least one gamingdevice from a handheld device; determining the location of the at leastone player based upon gaming information derived from the at least onegaming device of the at least one player; and transmitting locationinformation comprising the determined location of the at least oneplayer to the handheld device.
 9. (canceled)
 10. A device operable tofacilitate wagering activity, comprising: a processor; a memory operableto communicate with the processor, the memory storing instructions fordirecting the processor to perform a method, the method comprising:requesting a location of at least one player of at least one gamingdevice from a handheld device; receiving at the handheld device locationinformation comprising the location of the at least one player; anddisplaying the location information on the handheld device.
 11. Thedevice of claim 10 wherein requesting comprises selecting the at leastone player from a list.
 12. The device of claim 10 wherein requestingcomprises selecting the at least one player from a plurality of optionsvia a user interface.
 13. The device of claim 10 wherein displaying thelocation information comprises displaying a map.
 14. The device of claim13 wherein the map comprises a map of at least a portion of a casino.15. The device of claim 13 wherein the location of the at least oneplayer is displayed as textual information overlaid on the map.
 16. Thedevice of claim 13 wherein the location of the at least one player isdisplayed as a graphical element.
 17. The device of claim 16 wherein thegraphical element comprises at least one of an icon and an image of theat least one player.
 18. (canceled)
 19. (canceled)
 20. A computerreadable medium storing instructions configured to direct a processor toperform a method comprising: requesting a location of at least oneplayer of at least one gaming device from a handheld device; receivingat the handheld device location information comprising the location ofthe at least one player; and displaying the location information on thehandheld device.
 21. (canceled)
 22. A device operable to facilitatewagering activity, comprising: a processor; a memory operable tocommunicate with the processor, the memory storing instructions fordirecting the processor to perform a method, the method comprising:receiving a request for a location of a gaming activity from a handhelddevice; determining at least one location of the gaming activity basedupon gaming information; and transmitting location informationcomprising the at least one determined location of the gaming activityto the handheld device.
 23. The device of claim 22 wherein the methodfurther comprising comprises receiving a selection of a gaming activityassociated with at least one determined location and transmittinginformation associated with the selected gaming activity.
 24. The deviceof claim 23 wherein the information comprises at least one of a type ofgaming activity, a location of the gaming activity, a status of thegaming activity and a distance of the gaming activity from the handhelddevice.
 25. (canceled)
 26. The device of claim 23 wherein theinformation comprises at least one of previous results of the gamingactivity, a summary of the gaming history of the gaming activity, recentpayouts of the gaming activity, and prior participants in the gamingactivity.
 27. The device of claim 22 wherein the method furthercomprises receiving a request to reserve participation in the gamingactivity at the at least one determined location.
 28. The device ofclaim 27 wherein the method further comprises transmitting aconfirmation of a reservation made in response to receiving the requestto reserve.
 29. The device of claim 28 wherein the reservation is madein response to a receipt of consideration.
 30. The device of claim 27wherein the request comprises a period of time to hold a reservation.31. A computer readable medium storing instructions configured to directa processor to perform a method comprising: receiving a request for alocation of a gaming activity from a handheld device; determining atleast one location of the gaming activity based upon gaming information;and transmitting location information comprising the at least onedetermined location of the gaming activity to the handheld device. 32.(canceled)
 33. A device operable to facilitate wagering activity,comprising: a processor; a memory operable to communicate with theprocessor, the memory storing instructions for directing the processorto perform a method, the method comprising: determining at least one ofa product and a service based upon a gaming activity of a player;determining at least one location of the at least one of a product andservice; and transmitting information comprising the determined at leastone location of the at least one of a product and service to the player.34. The device of claim 33 wherein the gaming activity comprises atleast one of an amount won by the player and an amount lost by theplayer.
 35. (canceled)
 36. The device of claim 33 wherein theinformation is transmitted to a handheld device.
 37. The device of claim33 wherein the information is sorted based upon a distance from theplayer to the at least one product and service.
 38. A computer readablemedium storing instructions configured to direct a processor to performa method comprising: determining at least one of a product and a servicebased upon a gaming activity of a player; determining at least onelocation of the at least one of a product and service; and transmittinginformation comprising the determined at least one location of the atleast one of a product and service to the player.
 39. (canceled)